Post by KC on Jun 7, 2006 20:27:30 GMT -5
June 07, 2006 - A Sapulpa police officer’s involvement with a 16-year-old female has led to his dismissal from the force.
In a termination letter dated Monday, Chief of Police Jim Wall alleged the conduct of Patrolman Michael Knutson had violated state statutes and called Knutson’s behavior unprofessional and unethical.
According to Wall’s letter, Knutson made lewd and offensive comments and engaged in harassment of a sexual nature during a period from November 2005 to a point in early January.
The allegations in the letter stated Knutson had physically touched the juvenile in a lewd and lascivious manner, violating state law and the rules and regulations of the Sapulpa Police Department.
Wall stated the problems involving Knutson and the juvenile occurred while both were employed at a local pizza restaurant.
He stated in addition to the encounters at the restaurant, Knutson also violated the oath of office by obtaining personal information about the juvenile from the department.
In his letter, Wall stated Knutson had violated nine points of the Code of Ethics and Rules and Regulations guiding employees of the police department.
Wall said Knutson also had been guilty of using his authority improperly and was unprofessional and reflected poorly on the department.
The letter stated that an internal investigation determined Knutson had not been truthful on nine separate questions concerning his involvement with the juvenile.
Wall said Wednesday the results of the criminal investigation have been forwarded to Creek County District Attorney Max Cook. Cook said he had received most of the information but had been waiting for the final determination ruling from Wall before determining whether criminal charges would be filed against the former patrolman.
The termination letter was obtained after the Herald filed a Freedom of Information Act request for files and records concerning the investigation.
In a termination letter dated Monday, Chief of Police Jim Wall alleged the conduct of Patrolman Michael Knutson had violated state statutes and called Knutson’s behavior unprofessional and unethical.
According to Wall’s letter, Knutson made lewd and offensive comments and engaged in harassment of a sexual nature during a period from November 2005 to a point in early January.
The allegations in the letter stated Knutson had physically touched the juvenile in a lewd and lascivious manner, violating state law and the rules and regulations of the Sapulpa Police Department.
Wall stated the problems involving Knutson and the juvenile occurred while both were employed at a local pizza restaurant.
He stated in addition to the encounters at the restaurant, Knutson also violated the oath of office by obtaining personal information about the juvenile from the department.
In his letter, Wall stated Knutson had violated nine points of the Code of Ethics and Rules and Regulations guiding employees of the police department.
Wall said Knutson also had been guilty of using his authority improperly and was unprofessional and reflected poorly on the department.
The letter stated that an internal investigation determined Knutson had not been truthful on nine separate questions concerning his involvement with the juvenile.
Wall said Wednesday the results of the criminal investigation have been forwarded to Creek County District Attorney Max Cook. Cook said he had received most of the information but had been waiting for the final determination ruling from Wall before determining whether criminal charges would be filed against the former patrolman.
The termination letter was obtained after the Herald filed a Freedom of Information Act request for files and records concerning the investigation.